The hijab is unwelcome in a Quebec judge's courtroom. No one in that province is willing to douse the flames of intolerance. The federal Conservatives are flirting with the same brand of politics. And get ready for new anti-terrorism laws that haven't been properly examined by Parliament.

Since he first took office as president in 2000 there has been a steady escalation in the brazenness of Mr. Putin’s disregard for legal niceties or basic rights. Now opponents can be murdered in the street.